Introduction

 Hi. I'm Erica Boutelle. First and foremost, I am a mom to two kids; One daughter (Kendall, 19) and one son (Leo, 11). I take that job very seriously and I lead with that because they are my world. I've been married for 21 years to my husband Greg. 

Me, My husband, daughter and son. 

In addition to being a wife and mom, I am a graduate student at Rhode Island College.  This chapter of my life kind of snuck up on me after an unplanned, abrupt retirement. I was active duty Air Force for four years and got to live or visit some really great places. After my first enlistment, I decided that was enough for me and came home to RI. Once I was back home, I discovered that I could get free in-state tuition if I joined the Air National Guard. My plan was to do my one weekend a month, go to school for free and be done with the military. After drilling for two months, I was offered a full-time job there on base. I accepted and spent the next 26 years working either in the military or in a civilian role but for the military. In early spring of 2025, a new government administration was in place. One that required all government employees to report weekly on their every task.  One that didn't exactly align with my values. At that same time, employees were offered early retirement if they had met certain criteria; They had to be at least 50 years old and they had to have 20 years of government service. As luck would have it, I had just turned 50 a few months prior and I had 30 years of government service. I jumped at the chance. So for the first time in my adult life, I was without a job. I started substitute teaching just for something to do and fell in love with it - so here I am at 51 years old starting a new career.  I love to chat and am happy to answer any questions about myself. I'm very curious as well and will probably ask A LOT of questions too!




My son, Leo and I on a winter hike the day before the blizzard.

 





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